Michelle Berard

Michelle Katherine Berard, 48, died April 13, 2012, in Durango, Colo. Memorial services will be announced at a later date in Durango. A private family memorial service will also be held at the Berard summer home in northern Wisconsin at a later date.

Miss Berard was born December 23, 1963, in Stevens Point, Wis., the daughter of the late Robert L. and Mary P. Berard. She grew up in Stevens Point, and moved to Durango to be in the mountains she dearly loved. She had been living in the southwest United States and Durango for more than 30 years.

Michelle was a local massage therapist and life coach consultant. She established and operated her own business in 1998, Mountain Sage, located in Durango. She thoroughly enjoyed hiking and exercise and snow skiing was her passion. Michelle’s close knit friends were a local ski group, lovingly called “The Posse.” Her presence will be missed and celebrated at Durango Mountain Resort.

She is survived by her siblings: Mick Berard ( Sue ) of Lake Tomahawk, Wis., MiMi Berard of Wausau, Wis., Patti Anderson (Jim) of Stevens Point, Wis., Peggy Helz (Tim) Helz of Nashotah, Wis., Sue Ann Berard of W. Palm Beach, Fla., Bob Berard ( Mary) of Stevens Point, Wis., Jeanette Goudaillier of Campbell, Calif., and Bill Berard ( Kathy) of Edina, Minn. She is also survived by 11 nieces and nephews and ten great-nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank and acknowledge Dr. Mark Sborov, Oncologist and Founder of Minnesota Oncology for his medical care and kindness during Michelle's treatment stay in Minnesota, and Margie Sborov, who founded the Angel Foundation of Minnesota which is dedicated to meeting the needs of cancer patients. We also wish to acknowledge local oncologist, Dr. Penny Cooper and the staff at Mercy Hospital for the ongoing care and comfort they provided Michelle. Contributions may be made in Michelle’s name and sent to the Angel Foundation, 700 S. Third St, Suite 106 W, Minneapolis, MN 55415.